Doctor Who star Pearl Mackie is about to make TV history by becoming the Timelord’s first gay assistant. Her character Bill Potts’ sexuality will be revealed at the beginning of the first new episode when the sci-fi series returns to the BBC on April 15.

Gay and bisexual characters have featured in Doctor Who in the past, but this is the first time the main character’s companion has come out.

“It shouldn’t be a big deal in the 21st Century. It’s about time, isn’t it? That representation is important, especially on a mainstream show. It’s important to say people are gay, people are black – there are also aliens in the world as well so watch out for them,” Mackie tells the BBC.

“I remember watching TV as a young mixed race girl not seeing many people who looked like me, so I think being able to visually recognise yourself on screen is important.”

Mackie has replaced Jenna Coleman as the Doctor’s new companion, and she admits her life became crazy overnight after she was named the Timelord’s sidekick a year ago.

“My Twitter follower count went from 400-and-something to 16,500 in about two hours, so that was pretty mental (crazy),” she says.

“But it’s been really nice; everyone seems to be really excited. It’s sort of like being welcomed into a family and all the fans have been really welcoming.”